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Title: Dear · Author: Febobe (Frodo Baggins of Bag End) · Genres:
Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 811
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 20:33:31
Febobe does an excellent job capturing Sam's voice in this lovely
story. His down-to-earth thoughts sound just right. Of course he is
looking out for his Mister Frodo just as he has always done, though
even more so now, but I think too that his continual striving to make
Frodo comfortable and to prepare all of those lucious Shire foods is
also a way for Sam to keep himself busy and the bad memories of the
Quest somewhat at bay though Sam himself probably doesn't realise this.

I also got the sense that Sam might be immersing himself in thoughts
of home and the constant preparation of these Shire favourites because
he subconsciously fears becoming as at home in Minas Tirith as Merry
and Pippin seem to be and to do so would make him feel guilty. It
would be so easy, after all of the fear and hardships he has endured,
to become complacent and comfortable in this place of luxury and
safety and the very idea would probably seem traitorous to his
memories of home for a hobbit as loyal as Sam even if he doesn't
understand his feelings of dissatisfaction.

I liked the comparison of Sam and Faramir both being Stewards in a way
and that Faramir is once again showing his quality in his care of Frodo.

An excellent characterisation of Sam!






Title: Requesting Mercy · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 681
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 20:47:44
A chilling story that deals with a question that I have often asked
myself. Frodo's wish to save his soul is certainly a given and his
choice of Sam plausible as is his reasoning not to make the request of
any of the others. Not only do we get a good glimpse of Frodo and
Sam's characters here but of Merry and Pippin as well, as seen through
Frodo's comments, and of Aragorn too.

An uncomfortable subject well handled - better that they had the
conversation than risk the alternative should Frodo succumb to the shard.

Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 21:00:45
I think that this is the first story that I have ever read that shows
such an exchange between Legolas and Boromir. Legolas letting his
elvishness shine through as he strove to make Boromir understand was a
very nice touch. I found the story to be very credible - I have often
wondered just what the Ring *said* to the other members of the
Fellowship and to hear It try to lure Legolas, especially in such an
elvish way, was really thought-provoking. I wonder what It might have
said to Merry and/or Pippin?

A very good read!

Title: Not an Ordinary Day · Author: nau_tika · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 737
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 21:04:49
My favoourite part of this story was the way that everyone tried to
cheer up poor Pippin, Legolas included. An enjoyable story of bonding
and friendship with both light-hearted and serious tones that are very
well balanced.

Title: Frodo's Thoughts - Aragorn · Author: trikywun · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 785
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-16 21:05:40
A poignant glimpse of Frodo's thoughts on the Quest, in which the
increasing loneliness and isolation he suffers as the Ringbearer is
wistfully expressed in his silent hope that Aragorn sees him as a
friend. Well done!

Title: Frodo's Thoughts - Boromir · Author: trikywun · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 674
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-16 21:06:36
Frodo's sharp perception regarding Boromir's conflict is convincing,
both as a reflection of his character and as a heightened awareness of
others' attraction to the Ring. And his compassion is wonderfully
demonstrated by the final line.



Title: Frodo's Thoughts - Sam · Author: trikywun · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 786
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-16 21:08:17
A tender expression of Frodo's feelings toward Sam, reflecting both
the complexity and the depth of the bond between them. I hope Trikywun
finishes this fine series!

Title: The Gaze of the Lady Galadriel · Author: Aprilkat · Genres:
Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 600
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 21:08:23
This is a tantalising scene that cleverly raises more questions than
it answers and left me musing over the possibilities. Frodo is
well-written; he is mature and articulate. I like this very much!

Title: I Will Comfort Thee · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 458
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 21:16:32
A very plausible idea, that Faramir would want to visit this place.
The friendships old and new are portrayed here very well.

Title: Divided · Author: Pen52 · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 223
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 21:32:02
(Spoiler Alert)

There were doublessly many moments of culture shock between the
members of the Fellowship and this is certainly one of them. To learn
that Men kill other Men is a never before thought of revelation to
Pippin, a concept that is totally alien. The differing opinions of
Aragorn and Boromir are wonderfully in character - both opinions are
valid and understandable. It makes me wonder just how they would have
got on if Boromir had become Steward. Faramir is certainly far more
like Aragorn when it comes to this issue I think. Aragorn really shows
his kingly, sensitive and noble nature here.


Title: The Lady’s Offer · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 805
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:08:02
This story does an excellent job of giving us some idea of what it
must have been like wordlessly communing with Galadriel. I really
liked the way that the author describes the process.

The choice that the Lady gave Pippin made me wonder just how much she
knew of Gandalf's fate at that moment in time to even give Pippin such
a choice, as I am sure that she would never offer something that she
could not deliver - or maybe she already could guess Pippin's mind and
just sought confirmation? I wonder what she offered the others? I
liked the author's descriptions of their reactions to the communion too.

It was a terribly hard choice for the youngest hobbit to have to make
and seems like a very logical one for Galadriel to offer, for what
else could Pippin want that would mean more to him at that point in
time? Pippin definitely shows just how steadfast and true he is and
shows his maturity and understanding of what is at stake.

Now, I would really like to read Merry's version!



Title: Forcing a Path · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 400
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:17:21
This is a nice filling out of a scene that the Professor didn't tell
us nearly enough about. I especially liked the camaraderie between
Boromir and Aragorn in this and the fact that Aragorn let Boromir take
the lead as he was better suited to the task, something that an
experienced leader would not hesitate to do.

Title: Behold the King · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 433
Reviewer: juliaaurelia · 2007-12-16 22:19:53
This is an excellent story, told in two parts, so that the reader gets
to experience both Aragorn's and Faramir's viewpoints at a pivotal
moment in both their lives--Aragorn's coronation. You get to see both
the similarities and contrasts between the two men, far apart in age,
yet true Numenoreans both. The author makes clear the joy of both men,
and I was particularly struck by Aragorn's use of Envinyator, one of
my favorite of his many names because it holds so much promise. I also
like how Aragorn both looks to his future by wishing for Arwen's
presence and to his past by thinking of Halbarad and Theoden. Faramir
does the same thing, thinking back to his father and then looking
forward to his union with his beloved Eowyn. Overall, this story is
very effective at evoking how it must have felt for the Steward and
for the King on that glorious day in Minas Tirith.

Title: Concerning the Curious Healing Properties of Soup · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 571
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:28:04
There is some very nice bonding in this story. I liked all of the
different ways that some of the Fellowship were able to show off their
skills for the benefit of everyone, especially Pippin. I also liked
the touch that some of Boromir's seeds made it to the Shire, though he
never did himself.

Title: Waters of Life · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 423
Reviewer: juliaaurelia · 2007-12-16 22:32:54
I love this story! It is one of the best Aragorn and Arwen tales that
I have ever read, which is saying a lot, as A/A are my favorite couple
and I have read many A/A fics. Incredible description of the lake and
its environs. It was very easy to picture all the details. The moment
where Arwen was singing and dancing, and Aragorn joined her, reminded
me of Beren and Luthien. Loved how the couple sensed the presence of
the One, and how Arwen at the same time sensed that she was with child
again. I can imagine how overjoyed they both will be to have another
little one to add to their family. We know from Tolkien that A/A had
daughters in addition to their son, Eldarion, and they must have
delighted in their family. I can see them bringing their children to
visit the lake and experience it's magic firsthand when they are
older. The author's unique talents for writing about Aragorn and Arwen
in the Fourth Age are fully brought to bear in this tale. It has such
a sweet, loving, yet reverent air about it.


Title: Steward and Thain · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 87
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:37:12
I really enjoyed watching Boromir and Pippin's friendship develop
throughout this story. I had never considered that Pippin might have
thought that his inability to save Denethor would have seemed to him
to be failing Boromir and thought that was a very valid point.

Title: An Apple for Your Thoughts? · Author: Demus · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 716
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:39:41
A nice scene between Frodo and Boromir. I liked the characterisation
of Frodo here in particular, astute and mature.

Title: The Rose in the Courtyard · Author: claudia6032000 · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 560
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:42:16
I couldn't imagine Frodo reacting to such an apology in any other way;
he was in wonderful character here. So was Damrod, who proves that
Faramir is not the only Ithilien Ranger to show his quality.

Title: Mettare · Author: rhyselle · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 732
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:49:53
I liked the characterisations in this story very much and the custom
is a lovely one. I am very fond of stories in which members of the
Fellowship learn about each other's customs and thought that this
particular story was especially well done. It was a very comfortable
story to read if that makes any sense - pleasant and simply written,
very easy to enjoy. This is a story that I will reread with pleasure.

Title: It Is Custom · Author: Mar'isu · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 820
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 22:52:30
A frank and mature discussion of an adult subject, handled well. It
was interesting to see the responses and reactions of the various
races amongst the Fellowship.

Title: Thirst · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits: Vignette ·
ID: 32
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-16 23:04:43
This is a lovely series of vignettes. My favourite is definitely the
one in Minas Tirith. This part was so painfully perfect:

["Was it up to you though? No one asked me if I wanted to let him go."

"No one asked me either, lady."

He explored no further that day, but sat there for a while in silence
and then went back to his room in the Houses of Healing, where he sat
alone on his bed and wept.]

Title: Green Magic · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Crossover ·
ID: 312
Reviewer: DrummerWench · 2007-12-16 23:32:57
This is an eerie tale in a modern setting. A mother and son encounter
a mysterious Park Ranger in the California woods. Danger and daylight
creepiness ensue. What's going on? Can trees really have black hearts?
Gandalfs Apprentice has given us a look at the Old Forest in the New
World in this terrific story which features one of Tolkien's
characters who is seldom shown in fanfic, in addition to well-realized
modern characters.
If you like tales that mix Tolkien's world with our modern times, then
this story is for you!

Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-16 23:57:04
I never really thought much about the motivation for Beregond, other
than his love for his captain, to go to the rescue of Faramir, maybe
because I never really thought about the price he would have to pay.
This ficlet gives a powerful second motive, which I can see overriding
his natural reticence for going against the law.

Title: Dragonfire · Author: White Wolf · Genres: Adventure · ID: 482
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-16 23:59:30
This is some adventure. It makes several surprising twists and turns,
which bring the readers to the edge of their seat. Aragorn and Legolas
help to heal a dragon of all things and, as no good deed goes
unpunished, as a result get pulled into a completely unrelated
adventure they didn't expect. I loved the way the friendship between
the ranger and the elf is described and I can't blame Treco, the
dragon, that he doesn't want to get near any two-legged people anytime
soon.

Title: Resurrection · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 265
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-17 00:02:52
[spoilers]
In this AU Halbarad survives the battle of Pelennor, but it seems to
be a near thing. Until near the end of the story Halbarad seems to be
neither here nor there, balancing on the brink of death until
Aragorn's need for him decides his fate. I like the description of his
fever dreams, or are they dreams? Sometimes he is awake, but still
removed from reality, from outside life. That is an apt description of
the way to recovery after a serious illness.